Rake lifting device in thickeners



1 c. H. scio'r'r 2,291,836

RAKE LIFTING DEVICE IN THICKENERS Filed Aug. 7, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 7 92 F IG I7 i I EILElEIQIEJJ! INVENTOR.

' ATTORNEY.

Aug. 4, 1942. c. H. SCOTT RAKE LIFTING- DEVICE IN THICKENERS Filed Aug. '7, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

CHI-W?! [J H. 6'00 7 7',

ATTORNEY.

Aug. 4, 1942. c, H, sco -r 2,291,836

RAKE LIFTING DEVICE IN THICKENERS Filed Aug. '7, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 llZ Aug. 4, 1942. I c. H. sco'r'r 2 8 5 RAKE LI FTING DEVICE IN THICKENERS I Filed Aug. '1. 1940 s Sheets-Sheet iiililil ATTORNEY; V

Aug. 4, 19.42. c. H. sco'r'r 2,291,83 I RAKE LIFTING DEVICE, IN TE'IICKENERSv Filed Aug. 7, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 7.

3 7 INVENTOR By CHKIFZ [3 H. .560 7' 7 ATTORNEY.

45 a FIG.I2. 44

Patented Aug. 4, 1942 mnfur'rmc nsvrcam 'rnlcxannn Charles B. Scott, Westport, Conn., assignor ,to

' The Dorr Company, Inc., New it corporation of Delaware j Application August 7,1940, Serial clai s.

This invention relates to thlcl ienersfhaving sediment collecting mechanism, and more in par- I ticular it relates to automatic means or control mechanism forsafeguarding the machine'against ill effects from overloadon. the'sludg'e 'impelling elementa, I

In' machines'of this type it has been :known,

to provide automatic means for stopping the "mechanism or for. cutting the drivingpower or for setting off an alarm inresponseto certain overload. It has alsobe'aen known to provide manually controlledrake'lifting means whereby the central rotaryrake shaft of thisraking mech- 1 ,anism could .be jacked up or screwedup in order to relieve the overload condition, 1 It is among the objects of this invention "to provide :simple, compact, practical and reliable means to eiiect positivecontrolle'd automatic lifting of the sludge impelling elementsin response, i

to overload; to initiate an automatic and controlled cycle of lifting and lowering the rakingmeans during temporary stoppage of the raking meansasrcaused by overload. l

Another object is to provide, automatic and positive control to the effect thata total amount of rake lift in response to overload, is substan-- tially' not larger than required by the particular overload, or obstacle encountered by the raking mechanism.

Another object is to use but one drivemotor 'for a dualytask, namely,-for normal operation ofthe raking mechanism as well as for. rake lifting in case of overload emergency, the function of each task being automatically initiated as well as terminated.

To attain these objects, accordingto the invention, an overload will automaticallyicause the drive connection between the motor and the raking means to be interrupted, and a-drive connection between the motor and a rakeliiting device to be temporarily substituted. Otherwise expressed, in case of automatic stopp e of the raking mechanism due to overloadythe drive motor thereof temporarily and automatically assumes the duty for a controlled rake'lifting operation.

In more specific terms, the above objectsare attained by providing for automaticreversal of the motor incident to the disconnection thereof, from the raking means, such reversal in turn to initiate the operation of the rake lifting cycle.

To this end there is provided a one-way driv- V ing connection between the motor and the raking means, to be effective only when the motor runs York, ,N. Y., a I

(cl. 210-55) v I branch driving connection or branch 'gear train between the motor and therake lifting means, to

be'eflective only'when'the motor runs in reverse. -In thisway the two driving connections will op- 5 crate in,a1ternationonly, depending upon the direction of rotation of the motor. Suitable automatic' switchmeans determine the lifting cycle,

permitting the samefto repeat itself in a manner I to cause, cumulativeor step-wise r'ake llfting' as long as 'overload'eflects are present to" furnish the stimulus for "each such cycle.

-"Accordirig'. to one feature the drive motor when running in one direction is'gearecl so as to rotate the raking meansin'their normal operation, and when running in the'opposite direction is geared up to actuate the rake lifting means.

Axial overload thrust of "amotorv driven worm which in tumdrives the raking means, causes reversal of the motor and consequent disconnectionflof the motor from the raking means. The motor in reverse picks up driving connection with the rake lifting means. I I

Other features have to do with the organiza tion of the control mechanism for rake lifting, the generalfun'ction of which is as follows:

ing and lowering of the raking means, that is to say, of the verticalrake shaft; Normally the nut is free to rotate with the raking means, since its driving connection with the motor is inter rupted during the time that the raking means are being driven in normal operation. Overload on the sludge collectingelements, however, will reverse the motor. and alsointerrupt the driving connection thereof with the raking means. 'Consequently, the motor in reverse is free to pick up the drive connection to the nut for rotating the same,-causing the rake shaft to be lifted until it reaches a limit, such as a time limit switch,.

40 at which the motor again is automatically reversed. Tnis means that the drive connection between the motor and the raking means is reestablished, while the connection to the nut. in turn'becomes interrupted, and the" nut moreover becomes locked so as to permit the raking means to be lowered again as normal driving connection is beingr'esumed. As the raking shaft again reachesits lower position, the

nut becomes unlocked, that is to say,'rotat'able together withthe raking, means. v.

Consequently, some features have to do with providing a branch drive connectionor branch gear train adapted for one-way transmission of power between the motor and the'rake lifting in its normal driving direction; and a one-way device or actuating nut, and also providing means A threaded member or nutis operable for lift-- I for automatically interrupting or restoring that gear train, depending upon whether the motor is running in the normal direction or in reverse. Hence, a feature deals with agear train between motor and actuating nut, having a gear element which is shiftable into and out of driving engagement with the gear train, the shifting movement of which gear is automatically controlled by and incident to a change in the rimningdirection of the motor.

According to another feature the branch gear train just mentioned has associated with it what may herein be termed as an escapement device comprising something similar to a pawl and ratchet device for looking or releasing the actuating nut automatically and in a manner to realize the rake lifting cycle outlined above. Certain required settings of the escapement device are established automatically under the influence on the one hand of the vertical movement of the rake shaft, and on the other hand under the infiuence of the branch gear train.

It is characteristic of one embodiment of this escapement device that the ratchet teeth are movable out of the operative reach of the pawl, and the pawl in turn movable out of the operative reachof the ratchet teeth, and that each is thus automatically moved incident to the operation of the control mechanism, as outlined above.

Accordingio still another feature-the amount of rake lifting'that takes place within a controlled rake lifting cycle, is determined bya time limit switch which permits the cycle to repeat itself for the raking means to be lifted in stepwise fashion and over an aggregate distance at the end of' By the same token, a one-way branch driving connection between the motor and the rake lifting mechanism is being made effective in that a shiftable gear of the branch gear train moves into mesh, causing the actuating nut, to rotate and the raking means to rise.

An escapement devicelocks or releases the actuating nut in the course of a rake lifting cycle by virtue of one or more ratchet teeth connected with the actuating nut, and a stationary pawl engageable therewith. The-ratchet teeth move out of reach of the pawl when so controlled by the vertical movement of the rake shaft, and the pawl moves out of the reach of the ratchet teeth when so controlled by the'shifting gear of the branch gear train. The movement of the ratchet teeth and of the pawl respectively are so coordinated and controlled that the actuating nut is released for raising the raking shaft, and locked for lowering the same, in the course of a rake lifting cycle. A combination limit-and reversing switch functions at the end of the rake liftin'g movement to reverse the motor to normal running direction, causing the raking means to be lowered as the normal driving thereof is resumed.

Where the load isheavy, as in the case of the sediment, impelling elements getting buried in the sediment, the rakes will lift a distance determined by the time interval of the time limit switch,

. III-l0 01 E18. 9.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some of which, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the following description. In the following description and in the claims, parts will be identified by specific names for convenience, but they are intended to be as generic in their application to similar parts as the art will permit. In the accompanying drawings there has been illustrated the best embodiment of the invention known to me, but such embodiment is to. be regarded as typical only of many possible embodiments, and the invention is not to be limited thereto.

The novel features considered characteristic of my invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description of a specific embodiment when read in connection with the accompanying drawings in' which: A

Fig. 1 is an elevational part-sectional view of the drive, and rake lifting mechanism, taken along the line I-I of Fig. 2, and showing a certain operating conditionv of 'theescapement mechanism. v V

Fig. 2 is a part-sectional plan view enlarged, of the mechanism'in Fig. 1, showing the rake driving gear train engaged in accordance with normal raking operation of the. machine.

Fig. 3 15a part-sectionalelevation of the overload responsive switch arrangement associated with'the rake drive, which is responsive to the Fig. '7 is a view similar to Fig 5, but showing the escapement mechanism as conditioned during lowering of the thickener rake shaft.

Fig.,8 isan elevational section upon line 8-8 inFig.7. v

Fig. 9 is another view'similar to Fig.5 or Fig. 7 respectively, but showing the escapement mechanism as conditioned during raising of the thick ener rake shaft.

,Fig. 10 is an elevational section upon line Fig. 11 is a perspective view of characteristic parts of the escapement mechanism shown in the previous figures. j

Fig. 1215 a perspective view, somewhat diagrammatic, of the entire drive mechanism and of an electrical system controlling the operating cycle.

Fig. 13 is a planview of a somewhat modified form of the escapement mechanism, conditioned.

for normal operation of the thickener drive mechanism.

Fig. 14 is a section takenon the line la-u that the mechanism is conditioned for rake lifting. V

Fig. 16 is a section taken on the line |6-'-|6 in Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a total view of a thickener equipped The sediment raking mechanism comprises a vertical rotary rake shaft I having sediment raking arms operating in a tank Ila. This vertical rake shaft has rotary driving connection with a worm gear |2 by way of a splined connection l3 (Fig. 4) permitting vertical movement of the rake shaft l8 in the worm gear Ill. The upper portion of the shaft It has an abutment collar or shoulder [4 which determines the lowermost position of the shaft with respect to the worm gear l2. The rim portion l5 of the worm gear I2 is supported for rotation by way of an annular vertical thrust bearing represented by anti-friction balls I6 upon an annular casing portion I! which in turn is shown to be supported upon the settling tank by means of beams l8 and I9. A top or cover portion for the annular casing portion i1 is shown at 28 and it carries within some of the gearing for automatic rake lifting as hereinafter to be described,

The rake shaft III has an upper extension in the form of a threaded stem ||la engaged by a nut member |8bthe rotation of which will impart vertical axial lifting movement to the rake shaft, thereby raising the rake arms with respect to the sediment in the tank.

The nut member |||b is part of a rake lifting gear train automatically to function in response to certain operating conditions, as hereinafter to be described, and it is cooperatively associated with what is herein 'to be termed an escapement mechanism also hereinafter to be described and the function of which is to lock or release the nut member lllb under given conditions during the operating cycle of the mechanism.

The worm gear |2 meshes with a'worm 2| which is axially slidable upon a worm shaft 22 and against the relatively light pressure of a spring 23. The worm 2| has clutch teeth 24 adapted to engage and normally engaging clutch teeth 25 which are fixed upon the worm shaft 22 by way of a collar 26, the clutch teeth 25. forming part of the collar 26. The clutch teeth are of the one-way driving type, each tooth havinga driving face 21 and a sloping or de-clutching face 28.

It will be clear that when the worm shaft 22 rotates in the direction of arrow 31 (see Fig. 12), the clutch teeth 25 of collar 26 will engage the clutch teeth 24 of the worm 2|, so that the worm will rotate the worm gear l2 in the direction of arrow 13 (see Fig. 2). If, however, the

worm shaft 22 rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow 31, the worm 2| will disengage itself from the worm shaft as the faces 28 and teeth 24 act as cam faces forcing the teeth 25 and 24 out of engagement with each other, as the worm 2| is thereby moved axially on the worm shaft 22 against the light pressure of spring 23. .With the worm 2| thus disengaged from the shaft 22, the worm gear |2 will remain stationary while the worm shaft 22 may continue rotating.

The worm shaft 22 is journaled in the casing portion I! as at 29 and 38 and axially movable to a limited extent. A thrust collar 3| fixed on the worm shaft 22 determines the limit of axial movement in the direction of the bearing 29.

In the opposite direction, namely, towards bearing or journal 38 the axial movement of the worm shaft is restrained by a relatively strong spring 3| housed in a casing portion 32 which is bolted as at 32 to the casing portion ll, the spring pressure being adjustableby means of end thrust screw 33 .in the housing portion 32. A ballthrust bearing 34 with thrust bearing member 35 and a semispherical self-adjusting bearing member .36 are: interposedbetween the worm shaft '22 and the restraining spring 3|. 6 That endof the worm shaft 22, which is opposite the spring-restrained end, has fixed thereto a gear 31 meshing with a pinion on a,

counter shaft 39 journaled at 40 .and 4| in thegear 42 which meshes with and is driven by another pinion 43 of a shaft 44 (see Fig- 12) which in turn is shown to be chain driven as at 45 from a motor 46, by way of a sprocket 45! onthe motor shaft and a sprocket on the free end of shaft 44.

The shaft 44 also drives what shall herein be termed the rake lifting gear train. That is to say the shaft 44 journaled at 44 in the top'cover portion 26 has fixedto its free. end a small. bevel gear 41 meshing with a larger bevel gear 48 retatable about a vertical axi and mounted for such rotation-as at 49 in the top cover portion 28. By way of a vertical shaft 50 or the like the bevel gear rotates together with a gear 5| which i1; turn meshes with a bodily shiftable idler gear The idler gear 52 rotates abouta vertical axle 53 which in turn may move or float in elongated arcuate openings or bearing slots 54 and 55 provided in an upper and a lower bearing portion 56 and 51 respectively upon and inside the top cover portion 28. In this way'the horizontally disposed idler gear 52 is capable of bodily float: lng movement in a horizontal plane along an are about the vertical axi of the vertical shaftv 56 or of the bevel gear 48 or of the gear 5| (see Figures 2,- 5, and 9).

The floating movement of the idler gear 52 influences a latch member 56 which is shown to be in the form of a bell crank member swingable about a vertical axis-'and'also mounted on the inside of the top cover portion 28. This latch or bell crank member 58 has an "arm 5S|which is adapted to be engaged by the idler gear 52 when the same isin its Fig. 9 position, and it has a the top cover portion 28 and causes the stop arm 63 or set screw 64 to'engage'its abutment 64 unless prevented from doing so by the idler gear 52 as in Fig. 9.

The. latchor bellcrank member 58 is "part of what is herein termed an escapementdevice or mechanism which is functionally interposed llrg tween the idler gear 52 and the nut member It should now be noted that-the nut member Ill is fixedly connected with or bolted as at 68 to a cylindrical or skirt portion 69 having at its lower end a flange I8 whereby in turn it is connected withor bolted as at II to a gear member 12 of special construction which is rotatably seated byway of an annular thrust ring 12 ment member or ratchet upon theworm gear l2 and coaxial therewith. This gear member 12 i engageable by the idler gear 82-. when thesame has assumed its Fig. 9 "position, and hence the rakelifting gear train I comprising gears 41, 48, SI, 52, 12 (see Fi'g.'12) v is capableofrotating the nut member it"p'ro' viding the idler gear 52 is so engaged,

Evidently, when the latch-member 58 is so engag'ed' bythe idler'gear 52; thelatcharm 60 worm shaft 2: by, way of the clutch teeth 24 and, so as to drive the worm gear l2 in the direction of arrows 12,-. while at the'same time the rotation of the gear in the direction of arrow 14 (see Fig. 12) will tendito bodily move the floating idler gear 52 into the full line position shown in Figs. 2 and 5 and hence away from and out of engagement. with the gear member 12. That is to'say, incident to the rotation of the drive mechanism in the sense of the full line arrows, the rake shaft. I0 is being driven as in normal operation, and the rake-lifting gear train between the motor and the nut member lob becomes automatically interrupted. Under these conditions of rotation it should be noted that the rake shaft I0 .is in its lowermost position, and that consequently the gear member 12 and the nut member iOb should rotate together as a unit with the rake shaft [0. Conversely, when the motor and transmission members rotate in the opposite directions, namely, as indicated by the dotted line arrows, the worm 2! will disengage itself from the worm shaft 22 due to the clutch teeth 24 sliding out of engagement with the clutch teeth 25. Such disengagement may occur because the worm gear l2 at this time is practically stationary and the reverse rotation of the worm 2| with respect to the stationary worm gear l2 will cause the worm, so to speak,

. to screw itself out of engagement with the worm shaft 22, theworm then moving axially in the directionof the dotted arrow until disconnection of clutch 24 and 25 from each other is effected. This means that as a result of such disconnection the worm-2| stops dead, while the worm shaft 22 is-free to continue to rotate. This Hence, the escapement mechanism comprises besides the latch member or catch II which is movable or swingable in a horizontal plane, an

escapement member or ratchet tooth H which is There are two such escapement members 11' l pointing in diametrically opposite directions'pro- "vided on the gear member 12, and each escapementhmember 11 in effect represents a ratchet tooth having a front endjll and a tail end 11, while the latch member 88' correspondingly represents a pawl adapted to engage the ratchet tooth l1. Itshould be noted, however, that the escapement member or ratchet tooth I] is vertically movable (see Fig. 6) out of the potential reach of the'latch member or pawl 58, and that in turn the latch member or pawl II is horizontally movable (see Fig. 9) out of the potentialment herein illustrated, an automatic operating cycle of the mechanism should take place in response to a certain overload on the rakes. That is to say, the rake drive mechanism should be worm gear would be opposite to the normal direction, namely, in the direction of the dotted line arrow 16, which is also opposite to the then rake lifting rotation of the gear member 12 or of the nut member lob.

There will now be described more completely what has herein been termed the escapement mechanism, a device which in the present organization functions automatically to permit the nut member lOb to rotate with the rake shaft gear casing during the descent of the rake shaft discontinued by way of having the rake lifting nut lllb establish itself by way of engagement of the floating gear 52 with the gear member I2, all incident to automatic reversal of the motor 48 in response to the overload effect. After the rakes have been lifted a predetermined distance, the rakes should again lower as the normal rake drive connection is re-established' by re-engagement of the worm 2i, and the drivev connection to the nut member lOb or gear member l2'disrupted by way of disengagement of the floating gear 52 from the gear member 12. In case the predetermined distance of rake lifting is 'insumcient to cope with the load or sediment, a second rake lifting cycle automatically follows the first in order that another such distancelof' rake lifting be added to the first one, and soon until the rakes have been elevated an aggregate distance sufilcient to enable the rakes to cope with the load. The mechanism shouldstop if and when the aggregate distanceofrake lifting required exceeds a given total.

In view of these requirements 'thereis provided on the machine a load responsive switch device 18 (see Fig. 3) associated with the worm shaft 22 to initiate the rake lifting cycle when an excess driving reaction causes axial shifting of the worm shaft 22 in the direction of (full line) arrow 19 against the pressure of thesprlng ll. That is to say, the axial displacement of the worm shaft 22 accordingly displaces the semispherical bearing member 36 (see Fig. 2), causing an arm thereon to rotate a cam element- 8l about'an axis 82 and against spring pressure 83, to engage the arm I4 of a so-called microswitch or the like 85 which in turn closes a circuit to initiate the rake lifting cycle.

There is further provided on the machine a top limit switch device 86 (see Figs. 4 and'l2) which sets the limit fora maximum axial rise of the rake shaft l0. The limit switch properis a double pole switch, for instance, a double pole micro-switch 81 housed in a casing 88. A push button pin as if pressed by the rising stem w of the rake shaft I0, willactuate the switch.

The'switch has a common connector 89'and co'nv 'nectors 90 and 9I respectively for the two poles of the switch. The casing 88 is fixedly supported with respect to the gear casing of the machine by way of a tube'member 92' orthe like through which the connectors extend, andwhich in turn is fastened as at 93 to a cylindrical cover portion 94 shown to be bolted as at 95 to an annular member 96 which in-turn is bolted at 91 "to the top cover portion 20 of the gear casing".

The electrical control system for the mechanism furthermore includes-(see Fig. 12) amagnetic reversing power switch collectively designated by the numeral 98wherebytherotation of the motor 46 can be changed from '-forwardf to reverse. A switching relay 99, under the influence of the overload switchdevice 18 effects.

the reversal of the magnetic reversing power switch 98. a A time delay relay switch I'inturn restores the switching relay 99 which in turn restores the motor 46 from reverse to forward rotation. a

The magnetic reversing power switch 90 may beof some standard type in which the forward and reverse sections are mechanically interlocked, so that theone section-cannotopen unless will be open- .In thiscondition the relay i no e the fiorward section IOI of the power switch=90 closed to run-the motor. 46 in normaFforward driving.direction.'. When the coil I29 is energized the contact points I26 and 126 will be open, while'theicontact points I and I25,'and I21 and I21 will be closed. In this condition the relay 99 holds the ,reverse section. I 02 of the power switch-98 closed, thusefiecting reverse rotation oftheinotor 46.

"The time delayrelay: switch 100, in itselfpe standard piece of equipment, comprises apairof contact points I29eand I29 and acorresponding contactmember I 'controlled by a-solenoid coil m which tends to open the switch when energized; However, even. though the coil I32 be energized, the opening of the" switch I00 is "delayed for -a predetermined adjustable-period by "a dash'pot I33. As this switch I00 opens at the endof its delay period, it will, through switching relay 99, causethe power switch 98 to be restored from reverse" to forward condition by opening the switch section I02, 'tion IOI thereof. 1

There'is also provided and closing the secan alarm bell I34 wired to the switching 'relayh99,.to soundduring the the other closes and vice versa. This is more' clearly illustrated in Fig. 18 showing diagrammatically the construction of'such a switch in which a scale beam type lever 98 mechanically interlocks the forward switch member 98 with the reverse switch member 98. This power switch comprises a section IOI to-establish forward rotation of the motor 46, and thesection I02 to establish "reverserotation. Consequently, the switch section or forwardswitch "II has three pairs of contact points I03 and I03, "I04'and I04, I05 and I 05 and the switch-member 90 herein called the "forward switch member, controlled by a forwardsolenoid coil I01 which," when energized,'will close the forward verse switch I02 similarly comprises-three pairs of contact 'points I08 and I08; I09 and I09; and

H0 and H0, and the reverse switch member 98-controlled by a reverse solenoid coil II2 which, when energized, switch section I02 7 A three phase power supply will close the reverse" us, m, m leads v to the contact-points I03, I04 and-J05 respecdelay period of the timedelay relay 81, which-is the period during which the rake shaft I0 is being raised, as will hereinafter more clearly-be described.

There is-also provided a start-stop switch, I35 which, when closed, remains closed tostart the mechanism and keep it running bykeeping energized one or the. other of the coils I01 and H2 of the power switch, and which, when open, remains open and shuts off the power by deener'gizing the coils of the power switch: 98.

'switch'section IOI. The switch section orretively. Power connectorsor'conduits IIS, 1,, f

8 lead from the contact points I03, I04, and I05 respectively to themotor'46; The contact points of the forward' switch section I M are wired to thecontact points'of 'the reverse switch section I02 by a connector II9 between contact points I05 and I08, a'con'nector I20 between contact points I04 and I09*?-, a. connector I2I between contact points I03 and H0, and

furthermore by connector I22- between contact points I05 and H0, connector I23 between con- A. Operation of the mechdnism The phases of the operating cycle or rakelifting cycle comprise: V. V p I k (a) Normal operating condition of the mechanism, with rake lifting mechanism disconnected from the drivemotor.

(b)- Lifting of rakes in response to overload on the rakes, causing reversal of drivemotor, disconnection of main drive from an l-opera ,tively'connecting the rakelifting mechanism with the motor.

tact points I04 and I09, connector I24 between 1 contact points I03 and I08.- The two switch sections IOI and I02 are interlocked so that the one cannot .closeunless the other opensas illustrated in Fig, 18.

The switching relay or switch relay device 99 comprises three pairs of contact points I25 and I25 I26 and I26, and I21 and I21, and a corresponding contact member I28 controlled by a solenoid coil I29. gized the contacts I26 and I26 will be closed,

while the contacts I25 and I25, and I21 and I21 c)v Stopping the rake lifting movement due to a time limitcontrol in-the electrical control system, andagain reversing the motor to restore normal driving connectiomwhile disconnecting the rake.- lifting mechanism.

During normal operation of .the thickener rakes II the drive motor 46' runs in the direction indicated by the (full line), arrow 46- (Fig. 12),

When the coil I29 is de-enertransmitting its driving power by way of chain 45 to gear 45, thuscausingtheshaft 44 to rotate in the direction of the/(full. line) arrow 44. This causes the pinion 43 on shaft 44 to rotate the gear 42: on countershaft 39 to rotate in the direction of (full'line) arrow 42*, and the pinion 38 oncountershaft 39 to cause its companion gear 31 to rotate in the direction of (full line) arrow 31*. This rotates the worm shaft 22 so as to rotate in turn the worm gear I2 in the direction of (full: line) arrow 13,- the axial force component in the worm shaft being effective to urge the slidable worm 2i in the direction of(full line) arrow 2| and thus maintaining driving engagement between the clutch teeth 24 and 25.

The rake shaft III thus turning in clockwise direction causes the nut member III and hence the gear I2 to rotate with it inasmuch as the rake shaft I is in its lowermost position and the shoulder I4 thereof (see Figs. 1 and 6) depresses the tail ends 11 of the ratchet teeth of the machine the idler gear 52 is out of mesh with the gear 12. That is to say, under this condition the shaft 44 rotates bevel gear 48 and hence gear I in the direction of (full line) arrow 5| (see Fig. 5), thereby urging the idler gear 52 into that end of slots 54 and 55 that corresponds to a disengagement of the idler gear 52 from the gear 12. .When operating normally the rakes ;II in tank I I convey sediment down a slightly sloped I bottom II and to a central outlet H in the of the mechanism will setup sufiicient excess axial pressure in the direction I9 (Fig; 2) of i the worm shaft 22 to shift the same against the pressure of spring II, so as to close the micro-switch 85 as, the arm 80 causes rotation of the cam element 8| which in turn engages the arm 84 of the micro-switch 85 proper. A momentary impulse from the micro-switch influences the electrical system (Fig. 12) to cause reversal of the motor in a manner hereinafter to be described.

Asa consequence of suchreversal of the driving direction, the worm shaft 22 will at once slide back into its normal axial position, thus releasing the micro-switch 85. The gears of the mechanism start rotating in the opposite direction, namely, in the direction of the respective (dotted line) arrows. The result is that the drive connection between the motor 45 and the gear I2 or rake shaft III is interrupted; while I a driving connection between the motor 45 and gear'l2 or nut member lo establishes itself.

In other words, because the gear I2 now becomes stationary the backward rotation of the worm shaft 22 will cause the worm 2| to slide in the direction of (dotted line) arrow 15 (Fig. 2) relative to the worm shaft 22 against the light pressure of spring 23 and out of engagement with the clutch teeth 24. This stops the driving of the worm gear I2 while the worm shaft 22 continues to idle. At the same time, due to the reversal of direction, the idler gear 52 has been bodily shifted into Fig. 9 position in the slots 54 and 55 and hence into mesh and driving engagement with gear 12. Concurrently theresyith the shifting of the idler gear 52 engages arm 59 of the latch member 55, thus causing the latch arm to swing out of the reach of the front end 11' of ratchet teeth 11. This happenspreparatory to the raising of rotation will cause the rake shaft III to be lowered as the 'threadedistem III-"screws itself down in gear 52 actively starts to rotate the gear I2 and thereby the nut member III while the worm gear I2 is held stationary because of the idleness of worm 2|. The rotation of the nut member Ill screws up the threaded stem Ill and thereby lifts the rake shaft I0. As soon as this begins to happen the collar I4 on the rake shaft reorder to restore the original operating condi-.

tions. This causes the normaldriving connection between worm2l and worm gear I2 to Q resumedas the clutchteeth=24 of the worm reengage-the clutch teeth 25o! the worm shaft.

. .At the same time-due to theresumptio'n of the original. driving' direction, the idler' gear 52 is urged: from its, Fig.9 position back to its Fig. .5

position, that, is tov say, out of engagement: with the gear 12.;"QThis bodily movement'of the idler j gear 52; in turnreleases thearm 55- of the latch] m e p mfi' na-the-Isrrin 6,8 to i the latch arrniiliintothereach of the ratchet .teeth l1,- and4 (as shown in Figs. 7 and 8) pervmitting one of theratchet teeth to be 3 engaged by the latchlarmwfit- This lockgthe gear 12 and nut membe I0? in place; and since the worm gear "I2 hasmeanwhile startedQtorotate, this the then locked'nut member III".

- "As the rake shaft 10 reaches its lowermost the front end I'l of the engaged ratchet tooth I1 out ofengagement with the latchfarm 40, so as to enable the gear I2 and nut member Ill" again to rotate together with the gear I2 when the rake shaft III has reached its lowermost position and the rakes II .have resumed their normal sediment conveying operation.

It should be noted that, with the electrical control system herein provided, each rake lifting cycle is equivalent to a predetermined distance of rake lift. The system responds in such a manner that if a predetermined amount of lift' .is insufficient to overcome a certain rake resistance,rfor instance, in case the rakes have become buried or packed in the sediment, the rake lifting cycle will automatically repeat itself and thereby add another such predetermined distance of rake lift to the one just executed. In this way, by automatic repetition of the rake lifting cycle, an aggregate amount of rake lift can be established, which will be suflicient to overcome or work down whatever sediment resistance is encountered by the rakes. J

Figs. 13 to 16 show a somewhat modified construction of the escapement mechanism, in that the ratchet teeth are embodied in an annular plate or annulus I3] from which radially extend a number of ratchet teeth, for instance three, designated by numeral I35. The teeth I35 lodge in recesses I39 of the hub portion I40 of a gear I 4|, the function of which gear corresponds to that of the gear 12 in the disclosures of Figs. I to I2. A set of compression coil springs I42,

rake shaft IILwhich now begins as the idler here shown to be three in number, are interposed latch arm 60 in Figs. -1 to 12. This condition corresponds, to that of the ratchet teeth 11 in Figs. '7 and 8, when the shoulder I4 of the rising rake shaft I releases the ratchet teeth.

The condition, according to Figs. 13 and 14, corresponds to that of Figs..5 and 6, inasmuch as the rake shaft I0 is'now inits lowermost position when the shoulder I4 depresses the annulus I31, thus moving the teeth I38 thereof downwardly and out'of the sphere of influence of the latch arm I43.

- B.'0'perotionof the electrical control system The operation of the electricalsystem includes the making and breaking of various relay cir- V cuits and it comprises the following phases:

(0) Closing the switch relay so asto cause the reversible magnetic power switch to start the drive motor in forward direction for normal operation of the mechanism.

b) Overload responsive switch to influence the switch relay to reverse the power switch so as to reverse the drive motor to efiect rake lifting, while also conditioning a time delay relay which predetermines the amount of rake lift.

(c) Automatically restoring the normal driving condition at theend of the time delay, as time delay 'relay switch automatically causes the switch relay to reverse the motor to normal driving condition.

Referring to Fig. 12, in order to start the mechanism the start-stop switch I35 is closed by closing the contacts I35 and I35 which contacts remain thus closedfor the duration of the operation, or until altogether stopping the mechanism. This establishes a relay circuit across one phase of the power supply, namely," between con-- tact points or terminals I04 and I05 of the forward section I0 I of the power switch 98. This circuit will herein be called the normal running circuit.

This circuit starts from terminal 104 con- With this circuit functioning the thickener rakes rotate and operate in normal sediment collecting fashion, as the gears of the mechanism rotate in the respective directions indicated by the full line arrows.

This .normal operation is interrupted and arake-lifting cycle initiated, when an overload of a pre-determined order on the rakes II sets up excess driving reaction. This excess reaction in the drivemechanism causes a certain amount of axial displacement of the worm shaft 22, which causes the closing of the overload switch 18.

Although of a more or less momentary nature,

the closure of the overload switch 18 starts the rake-lifting cycle with the initial result thatthe drive motor 46 is reversed. This reversal at once stops the rakes I I and relieves axial driving pressure on the worm'shaft 22 and permits it to return to its normal position, so that the overload switch 18 is again opened.

However, this momentary closing of the overload switch 18 suflices to condition the switch relay device 99as well as the time delay relay 81 in such a manner that the coupled effect of these two devices will cause the reversal of the drive motor 46 for a predetermined time delay period, before automatically restoring it to normal operation. r I

That is to say, the momentary closing of the overload switch 18 sets up the following circuit or circuits herein to be called the rake lifting tinues through conductor I44, over point I45, 7

conductor I46 to energize the forward holding coil I01 of the power switch to cause the forward switch member 98 thereof to close upon itscontact points I03, I03, I04, I04 I05, I05

The circuit passes on through conductor I46,

to point I08 and finally to terminal I05 of the power switch, This circuit, .by energizing the coil I01, will hold the switch member 98 closed upon thethree pairs of contact points I03 and I03, I04 and I04, and I05 and I05 respectively, and

thus supply power fromthe power phases I-I3,

H4, H5, and through conductors H6, H1, and I I8, whereby the motor 46 is rotated so as to drive the gear I2 in the direction of arrow 13.

circuits: I H

From terminal I04, through conductor I44, to point I45 the circuit is the same as afore-described for the normal running circuit. At point I45 the circuit branches ofi'- in parallel comprising conductor I5I energizing the reverse holding coil II2 of the power switch, then continuing through conductor I52, to point I53, through conductor I54, the then closed overload switch 18, and conductor I55 to point I48 where it rejoins the afore-described normal running circuit, to continue as before through conductor I49, closed start and stop switch I35, conductor 90, contacts I50 and I50 of top limit switch 86, through common conductor 89, point I08, and conductor II9, to terminal I05 of the power switch. 1

It will be seen that the branch portion of the circuit just described contains mainly the re verse holding coil II2 of the power switch. However, there are at this time two further active parallel branches, comprising respectively the holding coil I29 of the switch relay 99, and the mon conductor I56 having its origin in terminal I04 via the conductor I20, and leading to a point I51 where it splits into a branch conductor I58 including the holding'coil I29 of the switch relay 99. and into a branch conductor I59 including the holding coil I32 for the time delay relay I00. Both branch conductors join again at point I60 from where they pass over the normally closed time delay switch contacts l29 and I29", the contact member I30 having a conventional dash pot whereby the opening is delayed a predetermined period from the time thatthe holding coil I 32 has been energized. Consequently. these branches I58 and I59 continue as. conductor I'6I, reaching contact'point I25 of the switch relay and continuing through conductor I62 leading to point I53 where itjoins the conductor I52,'to continue as before through conductor I54, overload switch 18, conductors I55 and I49, closed minal I95. 7

The condition just described, however, is only transitional or preparatory to the rake-lifting circuit proper, for the power switch 99 and hence the motor 99 have not as yet been actually reversed. F'or, theforward holding coil I91 at this time is still energized and, due to the mechanical interlock (see Fig. 18) of the switch members 99 and 99, the reverse switch member 99 cannot yet close although its holding coil H2 is also energized at this time. The actual reversal of the power switch will only take place when the forward holding coil I9'I is de-energized. This, however, happens as soon as the switch member I29 of switch relay 99 under the in- 2,991,886 'switch n5, conductors so, be, and us, to terductor I93, bell I39,' conductor I99, thenow closed contact pointsIZI and I 21*, conductor I99, contactpoint I99, and conductor II9, to'ter-- minal I95. v a

The "rake-lifting .circiiit'and hence the condition of rake-lifting maintains only for a predetermined period, the time delay period,- --thata is to say; until the energized coil-"I32 in the time delay relay I99,has forced the switch member I39- away from. the contact points I29 and I29" against the resistance of the dash pot I39 fiuence of energized coil I29 has shifted into a position in which it breaks contacts I29 and I29, while closing contacts I25 and I25. Now'the motor 99 is actually reversed and the rake-lifting operation takes place in the manner and by mechanism as above described.

The circuit which is thus established for the purpose of the rake-lifting operation, that is to say, the rake-lifting circuit proper, is described as follows:

Starting again from terminal I99 of the power switch the circuit follows conductors I99 and I5I, energizes the reverse holding coil II2 of the power switch 99, passes through conductors I52 and I92, over the now closed contact points I and I25 of the switch relay 99, conductor I91," point I99, conductor I99, closed start and stop switch I35, conductor 99, closed contacts from doing so, at leastfor a predetermined period of energization (herein called the time delay period) by the dash pot I39 associated with the switch member I39.

The active parallel branches just referred to are described as follows: a

Starting again from terminal I99 of the power switch 99 conductor I29 leads to point I99 from where conductor I59 leads to point I51, splitting up into conductor I59 containing the coil I29 for the switch member I29 of the switch relay 99, and into conductor I59 containing the coil I32 for the switch member I39 of the time delay relay I99. Conductors I59 and I59 join at point I 99, causing the circuit ,to pass over the still closed contact points I29- and I29 of the time delay relay, and through conductor I9I to pass the now closed contact points I25 and I25. From here on all. parallel branches, namely, those identified by the "reverse" holding coil 2, the switch relay holding coil I29, and the time delay relay holding coil I92, have a common connection leading to the opposite pole (terminal I 95) described above in the, "rake, lifting circuit," and also described in the normal running circuit.

Still another branch circuit is shown for sounding the bell I39 while the rake lifting takes place, and which is as follows:

From terminal I99, through conductor I29, contact point I99, conductor I59, point I5I, con- Once these contacts are'broken, both the coil I92 of the time delay relay and the coil I29 of the,

switch relay are at once de-energized, permitting the switch member I29 of the switch relay 99 to fall back and in so doing to break contacts I25 and I25- while closing contacts I29 and I29. This at once de-energizes the reverse holding coil H2 and re-energizes the forward holding coil I9'I of the power switch, thus restoring the "normal running circuit" whereby the motor 99 is again reversed to its normal running condition for normal rotation and operation of the thickener rakes II-. The branch circuit operatingrthe bell I39 during the rake lifting operation will also have been broken with the restoration of the switch member I29 to normaL- It will now be understood that because of they function of the time delay relay I99 each rakelifting cycle is normally substantially equivalent j to a predetermined distance ofrake lift, namely, as much as corresponds to the amount of-lifting that the machine will do within the time delay period as above defined; It will also be understood that the machine will automaticallyrepeat the rake-lifting cycle as long as excess resistance isencountered by the rakes II, and

thatthe machine may thus stepwise lift the rakes higher and higher until normal resistance is encountered at which time therakes will begin to operate normallyand to work oif the accumulation of sediment.

In case h regate-distance or rakelift li proaches ,a predetermined maximum, the top' limit switch 99 becomes effective; to stop the motor 99, and to sound the bell I39. In thatinstance the normal running 'circuit is auto-'- maticallyinterrupted, and a-circuit to sound the bell is substituted.

This condition is created by the threaded stem 2 I9 of the thickener shaft being lifted to a point where it engages the pin 99- throwing the double throw switch 99 into the dotted line position I The closing of the contacts I59' and I99 in turn creates a bell sounding circuit which runs as follows: I

From terminal. I99 of the power switch 99,

through conductor I29, point I99 conductor I59, point I51, conductor I93, bell I39, conductor I99,

contact point I21, conductor 9|, top limit switch contacts I99 and I59*,'common conductor 99, point I99, and then through conductor II 9 terminal I95 of the power switch. H r

, I claim: g

1. Electrically controlled thickener apparatus comprising a tank, rotary sediment-raking means mounted therein, mechanism for driving the same, which mechanism comprises reversible electric drive motor means, a first driving conf nection between the motor means and the raking means, which connection comprises one-way power transmitting means effective to drive the means, a second drive connection between the motor means and the lifting mechanism, said connection comprising one-way power transmitting means effective to drive said mechanism to lift the raking means while said motor means run in reversed-direction, and effective to interrupt the connection when the forward driving connection of the motor means is restored, a reversing magnetic power switch for the motor means, having a forward magnetic holding coil for the normal forward operation of the motor means and of the rakes, a reverse magnetic holding coil for effecting reverse ope'ration'of the motor means and thereby stoppage of the raking means due to the interruption of said first driving connection, and also having mechanically interlocked switch members actuated by said magnetic holding coils whereby one switch member closes when the other opens, and vice versa, an energizable switch relay device for controlling the power switch, said relay device comprising a coil actuated double throw switch member, a pair of forward holding contacts for energizing the forwardholding coil of the power switch at one throw of the switch member, and a pair of reverse holding contacts for energizing the reverse holding coil of the power switch at the other throw of the switch member, a coil actuated time delay relay energizable in parallel ing of the forward holding contacts of the'switoh relay and comprising said closed reverse holding contacts in parallel with said overload switch;

2. In combination with a settling tankhaving rotatable sediment-collecting means comprising a vertical element andsediment -impelling means thereon and rotatable about its vertical axis, said vertical element being axially movable and normally occupying a lower limit position, and adapted for axial upwarddisplacement to relieve overload on the sediment-impelling means, and having associated'therewith a threaded-portion whereby it can be raised and'lowered', a driving and control mechanism which comprises a threaded element rotatably mounted with respect to the tank and substantially confinedwith respect'toaxial movement, and adapted to engage said threadedxportion and. to be rotated for raising they; vertical 'element, a reversible motor, a first drive connection between themotor and the vertical element, comprising a train of driving elements including one way power transmittingmeans effective to rotate the vertical element when the, motor is running in a normal the motor is reversed, a second drive connection between the motor and said threaded ,element and comprising a train of driving elements inwith said switch relay, and having a pair of time delay contacts normally closed and thus adapted to energize both the power switch'relayand the time delay relay, a coil-actuated switch member adapted to open when-its coil is energized, and time delay means effective to delay the opening of the switch member for a pre-determined period of energization, said switch member effective to de-energize both the switch relay and the time delay relay, a normally open overload responsive switch, associated with the rake driving mechanism, the rake driving mechanism being so I constructed and arranged as to effect the closing of the switch in response tooverload onthe rakes, and to efiect the openingof the switch upon relief .of said overload incident to the reversal of the motor means; a first relay circuit, to maintain normal rotation of the thickener rakes, and comprising said forward magnetic holding coil of the power switch, and said forward holding contacts then normally closed by said double throw switch member while the reverse magnetic holding contacts are open; a second relay circuit established by the closure of the overload switch preparatory to the operation of the rake-lifting mechanism and in parallel with said first relay circuityandcomeluding one-way power transmitting cmeans effective to rotate said threaded element and thereby to'raise said vertical element when the motor is in reverse, and to render said driving elements inoperative when the motor is running in'its normal forward direction, reversing switch means for the motor, main 'relay means, circuit means connecting the'main relaymeanswith the reversing switch means, a torque load responsive switch associated with the first drive connection,

and circuit means between said torque load responsive switch and said' main relay means for actuating the same, said torque load responsive switch being effective in response to overload on the sediment impelling element to actuate the reversing switch and thereby reverse the driving direction of the motor, causing said vertical element to be raised. I

3. Driving and control mechanism according to claim 2, in which the first mentioned drive connection comprises a. driven worm shaft, a worm axial slidable and'looseupon said worm shaft, a worm gear meshing with said worm, a clutch connection between the worm and the worm shaft, comprising clutch teeth provided on said worm shaft, and companion clutch teeth provided on said worm, saidworm being axially the first gear is geared to the motor, the third gear is geared to said threaded'element, and'the second gear is intermediate and adapted to mesh with the first and the third gear for rotating said threaded member to raise said vertical element when the motor is running in reverse, and I means for mounting said second gear for bodily epicyclic movement between limit positions about moves the second gear out of mesh with the third gear and to the one of said limit positions, and that the motor running in reverse-moves said second gear to the opposite limit position and thereby into mesh with said third gear.

5. Driving and control mechanism according to claim 2,- with 'the addition of a pawl having a stationary pivot with respect to the tank, a ratchet tooth connected and rotatable with said threaded member, and adapted to be engaged by said pawl, means for mounting said ratchet tooth for movement into and out of the reach of said pawl, means connected with said .vertical element for controlling said movement of the ratchet tooth, whereby the tooth is engaged to be held out of the reach of said pawl when said vertical element is in its lower limit position, and the tooth is released to come within the'reach of said pawl while said vertical element is being raised from its lower limit position, means co-. operatively associated with and controlled by said last mentioned one-way power transmitting means whereby the pawl is held out of reach of said ratchet tooth while the motor'is in its reverse running condition driving the threaded member to raise said vertical element, and whereby the pawl is released to; engage the ratchet tooth substantially while the motor is in its forward running condition lowering the vertical element, and means operatively associated with the main relay means to restore said relay means to its inoperative position, whereby the reversing switch is restored to a position effecting a forward running condition of the motor ,to lower the vertical element.

ning condition of the motor to lower the vertical element. at

7. Driving and control mechanism according to claim 2, in which said switch control means further comprise a time delay relay means coupled with said main relay means for resetting the latter after a predetermined time delay, to efiect resetting of the reversing switch and hence to restore the motor to forward running condition. g I

8. In a,sediment-collecting mechanism for a settling tank having a vertical rotary element and sediment-impelling means thereon, and having associated therewith a threaded portion whereby it can be raised and lowered, said vertical element being adapted for axial displacement to relieve overload on the sediment-impelling means, a device for raising and lowering threaded portion and to be rotated for raising said vertical element, a motor-driven powerimparting rotary element means for reversing the driving direction thereof, a one-way drive 6. Driving and control mechanism according to claim 2, in which said second drive connection comprises a. gear train having a driving gear, an

intermediate gear driven by said driving gear .with respect to the first and third gear in such a manner that the motor running in forward direction moves the second gear out of meshiwith the third gear and to one of its limit positions, and that the motor running in reverse moves said second gear to its opposite limit position and thus into driving mesh with said third gear, a pawl having a stationary pivot with respect to the tank, a ratchet tooth connected and rotated with said threaded member and adaptedto be engaged by said pawl, means for mounting said ratchet tooth for movement into and out of the reach of said pawl, means connected with said vertical element for controlling said movement of the ratchet tooth, whereby the tooth is en'- gaged to be held out of the reach of said pawl when said vertical element is in its lower limit position, and the tooth is released to come within the reach of said pawl while said vertical element is being raised from its lower limit position, a member associated with said pawl and operable to move the pawl into and out of the reach of said ratchet tooth, said intermediate gear being connection comprising a train of three gears of which the first gear is gearedto the motor driven rotary element, the-third gear is geared to said threaded element, and the second gear is in- -termediate and adapted to mesh with the first and the third gear for rotating said threaded member, means for mounting the second gear for bodily epicyclic movement between limit positions about the axis of .the first gear, said second gear' being disposed with respect to the first and the third gear in a manner that the motor driven member running in one direction moves the second gear out of mesh with the third gear and to one of its limit positions, and that the when said vertical element is in its lower limit position, and said tooth is released to come within the reach of said pawl while said vertical ele- 4 ment is being raisedfrom its lower limit position,

an actuating member associated with said pawl and operable to movethe pawl'into and out of the reach of said ratchet tooth, said intermediate gear being adapted to engage said member to hold the pawl out of the reach of said ratchet tooth when the gear is engaged in driving the threaded member raising the vertical element, said gear also adapted to release said member to allow the pawl to move into the reach of said ratchet tooth when the gear is in mesh with said third gear.

9. A device according to claim 8, in which said bodily movable gear rotates about a vertical axis, and is bodily movable in a. horizontal plane, and in which said pawl actuating member is an arm connected and co-axially swingable with said pawl, with the addition of spring means for urging said arm towards said gear.

10. In a sediment-collecting mechanism for a settling tank having a vertical rotary element and sediment-impelling means thereon, and having associated therewith a threaded portion whereby it can be raised and lowered, said vertical element being adapted for axial displace-. ment to relieve overload on the sediment-impelling means, a device for raising and lowering said vertical element, which comprises a threaded member rotatably mounted with respect to the tank and substantially confined with respect to axial movement, and adapted to engage saidv threaded portion and to be rotated for raising said vertical element, a motor drivenpowerimparting rotary element, a one-way drive connection between said power-imparting element and said vertical element for rotating the same when said power-imparting element rotates in one direction, and inactive when said powerimparting element rotates in the opposite'direction, and a second one-way drive connection between' said power-imparting element and said threaded member for rotating the same when said power-imparting element rotates in said opposite direction, and inactive when said powerimparting element rotates in said one direction.

CHARLES H. SCOTT. 

